The Colonial Theatre and the Theatre Organ Society of the Delaware Valley (TOSDV) have three upcoming silent films featuring live accompaniment by Wurlitzer Theatre Organ.

Stay tuned for additional performances that will be added soon.

Many critics consider The General to be the last great comedy of the silent era, and it consistently ranks as one of the greatest comedies of all time on international critics’ polls. Set during the Civil War and based on a true incident, the film is also an authentic looking period piece, bringing the scope and realism of Matthew Brady-like images to brilliant life. The title refers not to Keaton’s character, but to his engine, The General, which figures prominently in one of the most harrowing and hilarious chase scenes ever filmed. Keaton portrays the engineer Johnnie Gray, who is rejected by the Confederate Army and then suffers the further humiliation of his girlfriend’s (Marion Mack) thinking him a coward. When a small band of Union soldiers penetrate far beyond Confederate lines to steal his locomotive, Johnnie Gray sets off in hot pursuit; seven of the film’s eight reels (are) devoted to the chase, with its orchestration of thrills and comedy. Keaton shot the film on the narrow railways of Oregon and used less than 50 titles to explain the whole story.
With Brett Miller, June 1st. 
DETAILS

This influential German science-fiction film presents a highly stylized futuristic city where a beautiful and cultured utopia exists above a bleak underworld populated by mistreated workers. When the privileged youth Freder (Gustav Fröhlich) discovers the grim scene under the city, he becomes intent on helping the workers. He befriends the rebellious teacher Maria (Brigitte Helm), but this puts him at odds with his authoritative father, leading to greater conflict.
With Brett Miller, Sunday, August 3rd. 
DETAILS

Czarina Catherine the Great (Louise Dresser) is attracted to Vladimir (Rudolph Valentino), a Russian soldier. When Vladimir rejects her, he makes a powerful enemy. The soldier is forced to go on the lam, but when he is gone, his father’s property is snatched away by Troekouroff (James Marcus), a cruel aristocrat who bullies peasants. Vladimir disguises himself as a bandit and begins to defend the Russian people from Troekouroff, whose daughter, Mascha (Vilma Banky), he is in love with.
With Dennis James, Sunday, September 14th. 
DETAILS